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Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center staff announce upcoming fall, winter hours

Montana-Dakotas
North Central DO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument

FORT BENTON, Mont. – Bureau of Land Management staff at the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument will begin the seasonal shift to fall and winter operations, starting this month.

Boating

Seasonal boating restrictions for the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River are in force through Sept. 15. Beginning Sept. 16, seasonal motorized watercraft restrictions on the wild and scenic sections of the river are lifted.

Watercraft are great ways to explore the Breaks, but depending on water levels and the size of one’s boat, there could be inherent dangers along the way -- gravel bars, rocks, and other hazards may be lurking just below the water’s surface. 

Check out the USGS river gauges for current conditions before you launch. Gauges to check within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument are: the Missouri River at Fort Benton (gauge 06090800), the Missouri River at Virgelle (gauge 06109500) for conditions at Coal Banks and the Missouri River near Landusky (gauge 06115200) for conditions near the James Kipp Recreation Area.

Operators of all types of vessels should know and follow the rules for watercraft in the Breaks, and practice safe and courteous boating, so everyone on the river can enjoy this scenic national treasure. Approved personal flotation devices are required for every boater. Children under 12 must wear a life vest at all times.

View or download our Boaters’ Guide.

Interpretive Center at Fort Benton, MT

Beginning Sept. 30, the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center will adjust its operating hours to Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The MBIC will be closed on weekends and all federal holidays.

Campgrounds

Judith Landing Campground will be open until Oct. 16, while the Coal Banks Landing and James Kipp campgrounds will remain open until Dec. 1.

For advice on visiting the monument during fall and winter, call an MBIC ranger at 406-622-4000, or review our online trip planning information.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.